Summary
Woodlawn is the county's only known historically African American cemetery, established during segregation, and the AACHM is restoring it in phases. Volunteers have identified 293 burials, but the site floods every spring and needs drainage help, road work, and legal clarity on ownership. Commissioners floated possible parks staff help and even potential contributions from entities tied to the racial covenants that helped doom the cemetery.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 5, 2026.
Impact analysis
Phase II runs about $57,474, with over $250,000 in funding and in-kind services raised so far — but full restoration could cost a couple million dollars.
Descendant families, volunteers, and anyone who cares about preserving Washtenaw's Black history and giving the buried a dignified resting place.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Commissioners Working Session - Aug 5, 2026
Woodlawn is the county's only known historically African American cemetery, established during segregation, and the AACHM is restoring it in phases. Volunteers have identified 293 burials, but the site floods every spring and needs drainage help, road work, and legal clarity on ownership. Commissioners floated possible parks staff help and even potential contributions from entities tied to the racial covenants that helped doom the cemetery.
Board of Commissioners - Jul 1, 2026
The county initiated a study committee to evaluate Woodlawn Cemetery, the only historic Black cemetery in Washtenaw County, for historic district designation.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Washtenaw County
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.